Retaining Walls

Leaning and Failing Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are designed to hold back the earth and, as a result, experience similar pressures as foundation walls. Shifting soil, poor drainage and improper construction are why so many retaining walls fail. Retaining walls that fail within three years are common because they are built with rock and stone that are not designed to withstand the pressure from groundwater and the earth the wall is supposed to be supporting.

Different soil types require different considerations for construction, impacting how much drainage aggregate will be needed, the size and depth of the footing and the overall construction of the wall. When drainage aggregate washes away or is clogged with silt, the whole retaining wall is likely to fail. Similarly, when a retaining wall footing is not laid properly, it will be unable to stand up to the pressure of the ground.

If your commercial property has a failing retaining wall, you need to call CNT Foundations. Our foundation experts are also skilled retaining wall experts. We know how to construct and repair retaining walls to prevent leaning walls and silt deposits. CNT Foundations can inspect your current retaining wall for damage and stability, ensuring that your landscaping is done correctly and is up to code.

Preventing Hydrostatic Pressure

Without proper care during construction, it is easy to build a retaining wall that fails due to hydrostatic pressure. This kind of pressure is caused when water is not allowed to flow through the stones on the front and the rock in the drainage zone, meaning that water ends up trapped behind the wall. Hydrostatic pressure adds extra force that will damage your retaining wall because the water is trapped without anywhere to drain.

CNT Foundations can design and build a proper retaining wall that will allow water to flow with a proper draining zone while preventing the soil and ground from encroaching on your property. If you would like to know more about our retaining wall services, contact CNT Foundations in Columbia at 803-667-4022.

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